Chicago sets September return to The Venetian Theatre
The band that played “Saturday In The Park” plans to play in September in Las Vegas.
Venerable, hit-making rockers of Chicago are returning to The Venetian Theatre in the fall. The rock band dating to the late-1960s is booked Sept. 15-18, with tickets on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Friday at Ticketmaster.com, Venetian.com or The Venetian box offices. The show is set for full capacity in the 1,815-seat venue, and conditional on such public gatherings being allowed during pandemic recovery.
Chicago joins ZZ Top’s rescheduled shows in April on The Venetian Theatre’s current ticket schedule. All of it depends on COVID protocols, of course.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Chicago boasts a busy live schedule and has performed live every year since being founded in 1967. The band’s debut album, Chicago Transit Authority, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014. Band members Robert Lamm and Jimmy Pankow were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017. The duo penned such classics as “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday In The Park,” “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day,” and “Make Me Smile.”
Chicago has a link to Las Vegas through UNLV’s music program. Graduate and drummer Walfredo Reyes Jr.’s days in town date to when he backed Debbie Reynolds as a teenager. He also played around the city in a lounge band and has frequently sat in with his friends Jerry Lopez and Santa Fe & The Fat City Horns.
The band’s current lineup has founding members Lamm on keyboard and vocals, Pankow on trombone and Lee Loughnane on trumpet and vocals; Keith Howland on guitar and vocals; Lou Pardini on keyboards and vocals; Ray Herrmann on sax and flute; Neil Donell on vocals; Brett Simons on bass and Ramon “Ray” Yslas on percussion.
Chicago has proven to be one of the biggest-selling and most-acclaimed rock bands in history. The band’s overall record sales exceed 100 million, with 21 top-10 singles, five consecutive No. 1 albums, 11 No. 1 singles and five gold singles. Twenty-five of their 37 albums have been certified platinum, with 47 gold and platinum awards.
In a 2016 interview, Pankow gave a nod to the band’s endurance.
“We’ve amassed a lot of accolades and have a huge number of fans, still,” Pankow said. “And you know what else? The band is still slammin’.”
He’s mental
Comic-mentalist Vinny Grosso who probably forecast this column item, opens “Totally Mental” Feb. 12 at Notoriety at Neonopolis. The show runs 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sundays. The production will take up the theater in the former Galaxy Theaters lobby, following COVID rules but allowing for some audience participation.
Magician David Goldrake also is mapping out a show at Neonopolis. Details to follow. Goldrake most recently headlined at Tropicana Theater.
On the Beast side
Celeb Chef Todd English is opening The Beast at Area15 on Thursday, he announced Monday morning. This is the permanent restaurant that was launched as a pop-up concept. I was introduced to English’s menu Sept. 21 at The Portal, during the Las Vegas Raiders’ home opener against the New Orleans Saints.
“I am elated to be rolling out a permanent staple at AREA15, as our partnership evolves,” English said in a statement. “The eclectic eatery will not only complement the existing tenants and attractions, but will also provide a dining destination in itself.”
English has been busy booking beyond the Beast. He’s also returning his Olives concept to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
The Beast Food Hall, as it’s known in long form, promises a communal dining area with a pair of bars and advanced mixology program (hopefully mocktails are featured in that program). Menu items include tuna tartare wonton tacos, chile-lime watermelon salad, chilled shrimp, loaded fries with short rib ragu, buffalo wings and Korean chicken wings. The sliders (which I already have devoured) include crispy chicken, cheeseburger, eggplant parmesan and barbecue short rib.
The restaurant is open 5-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Reservations are required for admission to Area15. English’s crew is seating on a first-come, first-served basis. All COVID protocols are strictly enforced, so mask up and live.
Ready to rock
The all-star rock collective Original Chaos is back at Carnaval Court at Harrah’s from 2-7 p.m Feb. 5-6, otherwise known as Super Bowl weekend.
The classic rock cover band features Dai Richards, Chris Cicchino and Tim Sorbs of Tenors of Rock; and Colin Cahill, who has played Blue Jackson in “Atomic Saloon Show,” and has filled in for the Bronx Wanderers. The cover charge is … nada, which is righteous.
Something happening …
Viewing parties for “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” at The Portal at Area15. Vegas drag performer Elliott With 2 Ts hosts. The shindig starts at 7:30 p.m. Fridays. Check the Area15 Facebook page for more show info, and also fashion tips.
The Review-Journal is owned by the family of Sheldon Adelson, the late CEO and chairman of Las Vegas Sands Corp. Las Vegas Sands operates The Venetian.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.
